Good jigsaw?

[Jmmsbnd007]

I just need something cheap that can cut wood and thin sheet metal.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Rawr!

 

[fastman]

Can't go wrong with anything from Sears.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: fastman
Can't go wrong with anything from Sears.

Gotta be cheap, is one of those Skil Orbital jigsaws for $35 any good? What does orbital mean?

 

[Ornery]

I purchased a cheapo Sears jigsaw for $8.88 about 20 years ago and it's still doing the job. I believe "orbital" means that it tilts the blade forward on the up stroke and back on the down stroke. That will give it a "chopping" effect, which is good.

If you plan on using this for sheet metal, you'll want that feature turned off. I have a feeling you want this thing for cutting windows and fans in the sides of cases. These pipe-duct snips might be the better tool for the job. Quieter, cleaner cuts and probably won't take any longer.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: Ornery
I purchased a cheapo Sears jigsaw for $8.88 about 20 years ago and it's still doing the job. I believe "orbital" means that it tilts the blade forward on the up stroke and back on the down stroke. That will give it a "chopping" effect, which is good.

If you plan on using this for sheet metal, you'll want that feature turned off. I have a feeling you want this thing for cutting windows and fans in the sides of cases. These pipe-duct snips might be the better tool for the job. Quieter, cleaner cuts and probably won't take any longer.

Actually I plan to make some name plates out of wood with it (what wood should I use to do this?), but yes I will use it to make window mods if my dremel eats too many cutting wheels. So it'll mainly be used for wood. What do you think of this one?:
Skil 4380

 

[Ornery]

Um, I think that's the wrong tool for the job, again. If you're making, what I think you're making, you'll want a scroll saw, which is not cheap. You could use a coping saw to accomplish this, but it will take a good bit longer.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Um, I think that's the wrong tool for the job, again. If you're making, what I think you're making, you'll want a scroll saw, which is not cheap. You could use a coping saw to accomplish this, but it will take a good bit longer.

To cut a somewhat intricate design? My idea was to put it in a vice or something and just cut out the name in wood.

 

[Squisher]

Ornery is giving you some good advice.

A jig saw might be a little too robust for the job you're talking about depending on the thickness and type of stock and the level of detail(smallest curve you're going to make).

What size of lettering and what thickness of stock? These name plates are to go where?

With wood that you're trying to cut intricate features in you'll want something fine grained like Mahogany.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: Squisher
Ornery is giving you some good advice.

A jig saw might be a little too robust for the job you're talking about depending on the thickness and type of stock and the level of detail(smallest curve you're going to make).

What size of lettering and what thickness of stock? These name plates are to go where?

With wood that you're trying to cut intricate features in you'll want something fine grained like Mahogany.

Not something very intricate. I'm cutting around the entire word and maybe about 1" thick. Not too much detail, the sharp junctions such as an OR would be done with a relief cut then a curved cut.

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: Jmmsbnd007

Originally posted by: Squisher
Ornery is giving you some good advice.

A jig saw might be a little too robust for the job you're talking about depending on the thickness and type of stock and the level of detail(smallest curve you're going to make).

What size of lettering and what thickness of stock? These name plates are to go where?

With wood that you're trying to cut intricate features in you'll want something fine grained like Mahogany.

Not something very intricate. I'm cutting around the entire word and maybe about 1" thick. Not too much detail, the sharp junctions such as an OR would be done with a relief cut then a curved cut.

Sounds like a jigsaw would do the trick, Grizzly makes a nice one for $60

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: Squisher

Originally posted by: Jmmsbnd007

Originally posted by: Squisher
Ornery is giving you some good advice.

A jig saw might be a little too robust for the job you're talking about depending on the thickness and type of stock and the level of detail(smallest curve you're going to make).

What size of lettering and what thickness of stock? These name plates are to go where?

With wood that you're trying to cut intricate features in you'll want something fine grained like Mahogany.

Not something very intricate. I'm cutting around the entire word and maybe about 1" thick. Not too much detail, the sharp junctions such as an OR would be done with a relief cut then a curved cut.

Sounds like a jigsaw would do the trick, Grizzly makes a nice one for $60

*shoots self in head*

 

[Cyberian]

Ornery, Squisher -

What is the difference between a Jigsaw and a Sabre Saw?
I think my friend used to have a 'scrolling' Jigsaw, with a knob on the top that turned the direction of the blade.

 

[Ornery]

Beats me! I think they're the same. Here's a cool one. Just more bells and whistles. I'd sure like to see an example of these "name plates". Can't lose buying from Sears, though. If it doesn't work out, return it. They don't care!

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Beats me! I think they're the same. Here's a cool one. Just more bells and whistles. I'd sure like to see an example of these "name plates". Can't lose buying from Sears, though. If it doesn't work out, return it. They don't care!

Write out this word in big, connected bubble letters:
John
Now cut out the name from the piece of paper, and cut out the space in the O. That's what it looks like, except on wood.

 

[Ornery]

• Got it!

One of the first woodworking projects I ever did at home was similar to that. It was the logo from Chicago, and was pretty tuff. I had to use a scroll saw, since it was only about 10" long.

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: Cyberian
Ornery, Squisher -

What is the difference between a Jigsaw and a Sabre Saw?
I think my friend used to have a 'scrolling' Jigsaw, with a knob on the top that turned the direction of the blade.

Sabre saws are very similar but hold a big blade more like a sawsall. I've seen them in catalogs, but never actually saw someone use one. I don't think they are very common. Nowadays people just use the two terms interchangeably

My dad's jigsaw has the same feature of being able to turn the blade. I could never get the hang of keeping track of the saw movement, blade movement, looking at the line, and keeping track of my fingers and the cord.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

So, what do you think of that jigsaw I linked to above...

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: Jmmsbnd007
So, what do you think of that jigsaw I linked to above...

I like that it will accept t-shank blades also, but it doesn't give a rating of amperage. Both the grizzly and the skill that Ornery linked to were 5 amps.

You probably won't need much for this project, but when you go to cut through that 2X4 of wolmanized later on, more power is better.

 

[Ornery]

Maybe good, maybe not... do ya feel lucky?

Honestly, I'd buy one locally, so you can return it easily if it doesn't suit ya.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: Squisher

Originally posted by: Jmmsbnd007
So, what do you think of that jigsaw I linked to above...

I like that it will accept t-shank blades also, but it doesn't give a rating of amperage. Both the grizzly and the skill that Ornery linked to were 5 amps.

You probably won't need much for this project, but when you go to cut through that 2X4 of wolmanized later on, more power is better.

3.7 amps.
Specs:
Amperage 3.7

Certifications UL, CSA

Cord Length (ft.) 6

Cutting Capacity- Hard Wood 1-1/4??

Cutting Capacity- Soft Wood 2??

Cutting Capacity-Aluminum 3/8??

Cutting Capacity-Mild Steel 3/16??

Depth of Cut at 45 Deg. 1-1/2??

Depth of Cut at 90 Deg. 2??

Max. Bevel Cut 45??

No Load SPM 800-3,250

Voltage 120

Weight (lbs.) 3.7

Looks good to me. What kind of wood/where should I get?
Also, do you think this thing can handle plunge cuts?

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Sooooooooo... I guess I'll pick up one of these 4380's soon. Thanks for all the help. Also, U or T-type blades?

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Ok, $35 at lowe's. I'll pick one up tomorrow.

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: Jmmsbnd007
So, what do you think of that jigsaw I linked to above...

Looks good to me. What kind of wood/where should I get?
Also, do you think this thing can handle plunge cuts?[/quote]

Plunge cuts? It should, although I seldom use them. I guess I'm too cheap(because of the occasional broken blade) and a saftey freak to use them.

Type of wood? Fine grain is best for scrolling. Maple or Mahogany. Maple will stronger, but not as pretty because it's plain doesn't take stain too well. Oak is ok, be careful on your turns, it'll chip. But, do not use it outside, it'll likely turn black unless totally sealed. Walnut is very good, but expensive.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: Squisher

Originally posted by: Jmmsbnd007
So, what do you think of that jigsaw I linked to above...

Looks good to me. What kind of wood/where should I get?
Also, do you think this thing can handle plunge cuts?

Plunge cuts? It should, although I seldom use them. I guess I'm too cheap(because of the occasional broken blade) and a saftey freak to use them.

Type of wood? Fine grain is best for scrolling. Maple or Mahogany. Maple will stronger, but not as pretty because it's plain doesn't take stain too well. Oak is ok, be careful on your turns, it'll chip. But, do not use it outside, it'll likely turn black unless totally sealed. Walnut is very good, but expensive.[/quote]
Does crap depot carry mahogany? Where would I buy that stuff... Also, I plan to build a little work table with a vice, would lowes/home depot people give me some decent plans or just a pile of crap to nail together? Just a table, legs, and somewhere where I can attach a vice...